There’s a trusted saying in business: plan for it to cost five times more and take five times longer, especially if you plan to go global. When creating your projections, it’s easy to be drawn to optimistic forecasts and impressive figures. But the reality is often far more challenging. To manage expectations, build your forecasts conservatively. A well-researched business plan is essential. The more preparation you put in, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the uncertainties of starting a business.